An Examination of the Term “God"
Dear friends,
A friend of mine was talking with an atheist one day. As the topic drifted to God and he described his atheism, she had a marvelous reply: "I don't believe in the same God that you don't believe in."
It seems that many people picture an old man on a big throne who spends most of his time smiting people, judging, and talking about and relishing how great He is (and, as the joke goes, somewhat mis-managing things because, after all, He spends an enormous amount of time designing snowflakes. Each one is different, so it's a lot of work and He is understandably preoccupied :-) )
Well fiddlesticks on all of that!
We all have an image of God. It is very difficult to show devotion to the “Cosmic Ground of Being” so we tend to anthropomorphize abstract concepts into something we can relate to. But we are confused if we then take the image as an accurate reflection of reality.
Scientists use models though they are well aware that the models are flawed. But if the scientist can relax rather than nitpicking at the model, the model helps him picture reality in a way that leads to further discoveries — a benefit that would be impossible without that relaxed use of an inaccurate model.
Too, people get confused by the panoply of Hindu gods and goddesses. I am a man, a bookstore manager, an American, and a husband. Are there four of me? (Good Lord—one is more than enough, eh?!) These are different aspects of one being. So too are the various Gods and goddesses of Hinduism/Yoga. There is God as the sustainer (Vishnu); God as the destroyer (Shiva); and God as the Creator (Brahma). And things multiply from there, but again this is just a way to picture the different aspects of the one God.
Lastly, He and She are also images. God has no gender! In fact Yogananda referred to God most often as Divine Mother. Just another image for our limited minds to behold.
I use the term “Spirit” in these newsletters to avoid the baggage that comes from the term "God.” Seems like avoiding confusion is a good idea.
This is a somewhat unusual letter for me as it is a touch more philosophical than personally practical, but I hope it has been of interest and clarifying. Next week we will return to our regularly scheduled programming.
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West